Peter - Son

I was 17 years old at the time and just about to start a printing apprenticeship in Sydney.

Sent to retrieve my indenture papers from the top shelf of my parents’ wardrobe, I came across an envelope which contained my adoption papers.

I was shattered.

On the spur of the moment I decided that nobody else would ever find out that I was adopted. I went on with my life as normal only burdened by many unanswered questions.

Little did I know that many in my community already knew of my situation and kept it a secret from me. I only found this out later in life when two life-long friends revealed this fact.

I was in my fifties when I started actively seeking out the true identity of my biological parents.

I never got to meet my mother. By the time I found her she had already passed away.

I discovered that soon after she fell pregnant, she was moved to another town and then eventually taken to St. Margaret’s Hospital in Sydney where she gave birth to me.

Coupled with the fact that my birth certificate did not bare my father’s name and that my mother’s siblings didn’t even know about the pregnancy suggests that my mother may not have desired to give me away but was pressured by the social norms of that time.

I feel fortunate that when I did eventually meet my other family connections I was overwhelmed by the amount of support and understanding they gave me.

3
Comments

heather baker

peter , what a story, a sad but happy one. someone very close to me had asimilar story , met his biological mother who was still alive 25years ago, but didn/t meet his 2 half brothers until she died 2 years ago. we were always sensitive to others people feelings& that has been abig positive in the long term
.. sad tho that all are older men. now he has 2 brothers that are fine men,

Amanda Scully

Dear Peter
What wonderful news of the support for you from your 'new' relations!
May everything best in life come to you.
Regards

Narelle

Peter, you are not alone in your confusion and grief of finding out that you were adopted. Although I was told of my adoption at an early age, I have struggled with with the coming to terms with who I am, why I am here and where I fit in. Please seek out an adoptees support group in your area. It helps to talk to others who truely understand.